Which type of damages includes compensation for the loss of companionship?

Compensatory damages are designed to restore the injured party to the position they were in prior to the harm. This category encompasses various types of losses, including economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages, which cover losses like pain and suffering and loss of companionship. The loss of companionship, often relevant in wrongful death cases or when a spouse suffers severe injuries, falls under non-economic damages aimed at compensating the emotional and relational impact of the injury. Therefore, this type of damage addresses the personal loss that comes from a loved one's injury or passing, making it an integral aspect of compensatory damages.

Other types of damages mentioned serve different purposes; punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer rather than compensate the victim, nominal damages are small amounts to acknowledge a legal right without significant loss, and consequential damages focus on indirect losses stemming from a specific action. Thus, the context of companionship loss aligns effectively with compensatory damages rather than these other forms.